Rick Scott: Obama 'Giving in to a Tyrannical Government' in Cuba

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama announced the United States will, for the first time since the Eisenhower administration, resume full diplomatic relations with Cuba, drawing the fire of Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla. Wednesday also saw the exchange of aid worker Alan Gross -- who has been accused by the Castro regime of being a spy and imprisoned for five years -- for three Cuban spies.

National media reports on Wednesday noted Obama and Cuban regime leader Ra Castro had been negotiating for 18 months in secret talks with the aid of Canada and the Vatican. Obama and Castro spoke earlier this week via telephone as they reached a final agreement.

Todays release of Alan Gross from Cuban prison is long overdue, and I am relieved and pleased for him and his family, Scott said on Wednesday. However, it is unconscionable for President Obama to hand over spies responsible for the murder of two U.S. citizens, especially since Mr. Gross should have never been incarcerated. Time and time again, the Castro regime has chosen violence and suppression over freedom and democracy, and the Obama administrations actions of appeasement to dictators diminish the United States role of being a beacon for democracy. As long as Cuba chooses dictatorship over democracy, I will continue to support the embargo and sanctions against them. President Obama is giving in to a tyrannical government that does not value human rights and completely disregards the people of Cuba who are fighting for democracy.